Cincinnati Reds: Three players who’ve excelled in expanded roles

Which three Reds players have made the most of their opportunities in 2020?

Entering the 2020 season, it was a foregone conclusion that the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation would be the strength of this team. That’s held true so far in 2020, but the performance of a few under-appreciated players has kept Cincinnati afloat during the first half of the season. Which three unlikely contributors stick out the most?

Every Reds fan assumed that Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo would be dominant on the mound this season. Gray has been lights out and Castillo has been good enough. Thankfully, Trevor Bauer rallied from a poor performance during last year’s 10 games with the Reds and has turned Cincinnati’s starting rotation into a three-headed monster.

Fans also expected Nick Castellanos to bring his bat every night. So far, that’s been the case. The Reds biggest free agent signing leads the team in runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs. Castellanos has been a force in the middle of the Reds lineup since Opening Day.

But what about the unexpected performances from a few Cincinnati players? You know, the offensive outburst or lights-out pitching performance that makes you say, “Whoa, I didn’t see that coming.” Let’s take a look at three members of the Cincinnati Reds who have excelled in their expanded roles this season.